Elder Johnny Aitken
Elder Johnny Aitken is an interdisciplinary artist, actor, writer, carver, filmmaker, activist and educator. Johnny’s mixed ancestry includes Coast Salish, Scottish and Haida and he self-identifies as a 2Spirit First Nations individual. Johnny’s twenty-foot-tall carving of an Honouring Figure stands in the Emma and Felix Jack Park on Mayne Island—a park named after his grandparents from the Cowichan Tribes. As a self-proclaimed “cross-cultural bridge builder,” Johnny enjoys collaborating with members of both Indigenous and Settler communities and has dedicated himself to a lifetime career in creating stories that lead to a place of healing. He lives on Mayne Island, British Columbia.
Kids Books (1)
Two Tricksters Find Friendship
$8.95
Format:
Paperback
Text Content Territories:
Indigenous Canadian; First Nations; Salish; Coast Salish;
ISBN / Barcode: 9781459839281
Synopsis:
Synopsis:
Friendship can overcome any obstacle.
To Jessie and Johnny, their friendship is easy.
Jessie and Johnny have been inseparable ever since Jessie moved to the small island town during summer break. But as they begin fourth grade together, the new school year gets off to a rocky start when outside pressures and differences in their home lives threaten their friendship. Jessie lives comfortably and never worries about money while Johnny lives with his father and stepmother on the reserve outside of town. With guidance from Raven and spiritual teacher, Steven, the two friends bridge the gaps between them and learn to lean on each other through family troubles and cultural differences.
Reviews
"From the first paragraph, I was hooked. This is a beautiful story about friendship, family and community. The characters take us on adventures of discovering the connection to land, animals and history. Their friendship helps us understand how we care for each other on this journey of truth and reconciliation. My new favorite book!”— Monique Gray Smith, award-winning author of My Heart Fills With Happiness
“Set in the peace of a rural coastal community, this thoughtful and inspiring book creates space not just for playful adventure but reflection, curiosity and learning. Young Jessie and Johnny demonstrate the power of true friendship to bridge cultural difference, and their story shows us that wisdom comes from many kinds of teachers—the land, trickster Raven, Elders and, importantly, one another. Well-paced and charmingly illustrated, this book draws you into a beautiful world among trees and berry bushes, at the beach and the Bighouse, and it teaches that approaching each other with openness, support and respect allows for the discovery of many gifts.”— Amy Reiswig, reviewer, writer, editor
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 6 to 8.
This book is part of the Orca Echoes series.
Key features:
- Two friends face the fourth grade together while learning to overcome cultural prejudices. Reconciliation is exemplified by a friendship between a non-Indigenous child and an Indigenous child.
- The authors use fictional versions of their younger selves to reimagine what it would be like if they met as children today.
- Extended family are shown as key supporters for Johnny and Jessie, and positive relationships with a grandmother, aunties, and a cousin are depicted.
- Coast Salish culture is celebrated by author Johnny Aitken’s own experiences and teachings.
- An Indigenous character, who identifies as 2Spirit, acts as a role model and educator to the two friends.
Reading Levels:
Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: R
Lexile measure: 720L
Guided Reading Level: R
Additional Information
96 pages | 5.25" x 7.62" | Paperback
Our logo reflects the greater Nation we live within—Turtle Island (North America)—and the strength
and core of the Pacific Northwest Coast peoples—the Cedar Tree, known as the Tree of Life. We are
here to support the building of strong nations and help share Indigenous voices.
